Enjoy the sunshine -- it won't last

Canada’s weather service is calling for overcast skies, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms today into the evening for southern Manitoba and the Winnipeg region.

JESSICA BURTNICK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Lorraine Lavallee finds a peaceful park bench to read at The Forks on Saturday amid floating seeds blowing in the breeze. Photo Store

Sunday, there’s more rain on tap.

The region is looking at highs of 24 C today, lows dipping to 17 C overnight and highs Sunday at about 21 C.

Meanwhile, sunny skies and highs of 26 C are forecast for Monday.

At the same time, it’s worth noting the wall of water that’s devastated Calgary is charting an inevitable course to the east.

In response, Manitoba issued its first flood warning Friday night.

The province is preparing for the Saskatchewan River near The Pas to rise to 2011 levels. Crests are predicted over the next 10 to 14 days, depending on operation at the Tobin Reservoir.

The Ralls Island dike in The Pas is expected to handle the roaring wall of water, since it was built up to withstand levels in excess of water levels in 2011. Meanwhile provincial water stewardship officials are working closely with the Opaskwayak Cree Nation to monitor the rise in waters.

The South Saskatchewan River flows through Alberta and Saskatchewan and is receiving floodwater from tributaries in southern Alberta. These waters move east and eventually flow into Manitoba via the Saskatchewan River through the expansive Cumberland Marsh which straddles the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border and then to The Pas and finally into Lake Winnipeg.

History

Updated on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 1:38 PM CDT: added photo

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